Kids are getting out of school, boats are filling our waterways, blue skies are becoming a common occurrence again. Let’s get out there and enjoy the summer we’ve been waiting for, starting with our 12 things to do in Michigan in June.
June 5-7 Gizzard Fest – Potterville
As food fests go, this has to be one of the more unusual. It is in fact a celebration of gizzards, but also a whole lot more. You can enjoy live music and even take line dancing lessons. If you’re sports-minded then enter the golf or cornhole tournaments. For the less athletic-minded competitor, there is a gizzard eating contest. Kids will love the carnival rides, parade, and fireworks. Of course no visit to Potterville would be complete without a stop at Joe’s Gizzard City, an iconic local eatery since 1960.
June 6-7 Old Town Saginaw Art Fair – Saginaw
Set on the historic riverfront, which is the site of the state’s very first art fair, attendees will be surrounded by beautiful historic architecture, popular local businesses, and colorful murals. This juried fine arts fair gives established and aspiring artists the opportunity to show their work. While in town, check out the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum and the serene Japanese Cultural Center.
June 6-15 Lilac Festival – Mackinac Island
It’s hard to believe, but the Annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival has been celebrated for over 3 quarters of a century! Did you know this is the largest and most historic festival on Mackinac Island? It includes, a Lilac Queen coronation, vintage bicycle rally, Sip ‘n’ Sail boat tours, a 10K, lilac walking tours, lilac planting seminars, bounce houses, a cornhole tournament, live music, the Grand Parade, and of course all the delights of lilacs in bloom. While downstate, they bloom sooner, in mid-June, lilacs are abundant all over Mackinac Island. The biggest concentration is in Marquette Park. Some of the oldest lilacs are in front of Harbour View Inn. Also, be sure to check out the twisted lilac trunks along the boardwalk from Windermere Point to Mackinac Island Public School.
June 7 175th Birthday Party – Grand Rapids
Beer City USA is turning 175. My how time flies. You can get in on the celebration by heading to Rosa Parks Circle, outside the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Grand Rapids Mayor David LeGrand will issue a birthday proclamation live. Local elected officials will be handing out free cupcakes. Explore the history of Grand Rapids through signage and knowledgeable volunteers. Dance to music from live bands and DJs. Sign a giant birthday card. Play outdoor games. Browse celebratory storefronts decorated by area artists. Take a guided walking tour of downtown. Enjoy ice cream and popcorn in between bites of cake. Take selfies with Buckets, the Grand Rapids Gold mascot. Visit the Kids Can! Van from the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, learn about native plants from John Ball Zoo, and more. The event is free and is scheduled to run from 2pm-5pm.
June 7 Art, Beer and Wine Festival – Jackson
This annual Jackson tradition has become a favorite Saturday of the summer for locals and visitors alike. It showcases many of Michigan’s best wineries, breweries, cider mills and artists. Guests can savor a tasty line-up from food vendors and trucks, enjoy live music throughout the grounds, explore this unique museum, and even meet and buy from talented Michigan artists. Be sure to relax for a bit in the historic Hillside Farm Lane courtyard while there, and travel into downtown to stroll among the many magnificent murals.
June 12 Lansing Beerfest – Lansing
If you haven’t explored REO Town in Lansing, then this is a great day to do it. The outdoor beer festival will features over 100 different beers, ciders, hard seltzers, meads, spirits, and wines. Like most great sipping celebrations, it will also offer live music and food trucks. Plus, you can wander through this cool, artsy part of our state’s capital. Shop for vinyl at The Record Lounge. Discover talented local artist through UnHinged Artz. The beerfest runs from 4pm-8pm, making it a perfect date night. Stroll, sip, savor, and shop away.
June 12-15 Bavarian Festival – Frankenmuth
What started out as a marketing idea for a landlocked little town, has grown into one of the state’s largest tourist destinations. Embracing the Bavarian heritage of its earliest residents with food and décor, has truly put Frankenmuth on the map. There may be no better time to visit, than this annual event. Highlights include the raising of the Maypole on Thursday and the Friday Night Street Party with bands, beverages, games and a zip line. Saturday’s fun includes the Kindertag Parade and a cornhole tournament. On Sunday, the tents close so that everyone can enjoy the big parade. Of course, the entire weekend is filled with Bavarian food, beverages, music, and dance. Admission is just $10 per person for the entire weekend.
June 14 Pinconning Cheesetown Festival – Pinconning
There’s nothing cheesy about a town that has a dairy product named after it! In 1915, Daniel Horn developed a new Colby-like cheese on his farm at the northeast corner of Mount Forest and Mackinaw Roads. Today, you can still buy it, and that seems reason alone to have a fest to celebrate. Games and races help attendees work off all that cheese! The event typically also features a Mac ‘n’ Cheese cookoff, craft show, parade, and fireworks to enjoy. Most important of all, be sure to stock up on locally-made goodness while traversing Michigan’s cheesiest trail.
June 22 Taste Michigan Invades Eastern Market – Detroit
What happens when our state’s incredible wine industry invades the foodie hub of the Motor City? You can find out at this inaugural event. Pop into Shed 5 at Detroit’s historic Eastern Market for a day filled with premium local wine, local vendors, and music. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample some of the best wine Michigan has to offer. From Leelanau Peninsula to the River Raisin Wine Trail, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, you get to shop the always cool, Saturday market. This event is free to enter and wine samples can be obtained by purchasing tokens. The first 500 guests will recieve a commemorative wine tasting glass.
June 23 Ford Fireworks – Detroit
Giant firework shows are too special to only happen on the 4th of July, and that’s just one of the things that makes Detroit’s celebration so unique. It also honors the deep friendship between Canada and the United States. Plus, you get to see them go up over the Detroit River, creating a spectacular sight. There are many places from which to view the show, and there will be some road closures, so plan accordingly for how to get to your favorite spot. While in the city, take the family out for conies to enter that timeless debate Lafayette VS American.
June 27-29 Michigan Challenge Balloonfest – Howell
There’s nothing quite like a sky filled with giant, colorful balloons. In Howell, that sight has become a tradition at the end of every June. Weather permitting, dozens of pilots will fly into the launch site on Saturday and Sunday mornings between 6-8am.The balloons launch between 6-8pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In between flights, there will be carnival rides, an open air market, Ben the Lego Guy, family comedy, and tons of other activities for your whole crew to enjoy.
June 28 Porch Fest – Port Austin
This is the kind of event that just might make you feel like you’ve gone down south for the day. Well over thirty musical acts scatter about town playing a wide range of genres. Pack up your lawn chairs or picnic blanket and get ready for some great summer fun. Be sure to visit the Farmers Market between 9am-1pm as well. For an incredible farm to table dining experience while in the area, visit the aptly-named Farm Restaurant. If you want a little exercise and adventure with your excursion, come into town early and kayak to Turnip Rock.
Join us on social media for ongoing discussions about Michigan travel destinations. Follow @BuyMichiganNow on Facebook or tag us in a picture on Instagram when you make it to one of our 12 things to do in Michigan in June. For next month’s event highlights, or to get ideas for your local bucket list, be sure to visit our Michigan Tourism page regularly.
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